Washington Administrative Code
Title 173 - Ecology, Department of (See also Titles 197, 317, 372, and 508)
Chapter 173-15 - Permits for oil or natural gas exploration activities conducted from state marine waters
Section 173-15-020 - Definitions

(1) "Department" means the department of ecology.

(2) "Exploration activity" means reconnaissance or survey work related to gathering information about geologic features and formations underlying or adjacent to marine waters. Those activities include sonic, ultrasonic, seismic, sparker, side-scan sonar, infrared, heat sensor, chemical analysis (sniffer), or other remote sensing techniques that do not disturb the surface of the aquatic lands, as well as drilling, core sampling, or other exploratory techniques that penetrate the beds underlying or adjacent to marine waters.

(3) "Marine waters" includes the waters of Puget Sound north to the Canadian border, the waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the waters between the western boundary of the state and the ordinary high water mark, and related bays and estuaries. RCW 90.58.550(1)(b).

(4) "Normal public use of the marine waters of the state" means those activities generally enjoyed by members of the public including, but not limited to, recreation, fishing (commercial and sports), navigation and commerce.

(5) "Vessel" includes ships, boats, barges, or any other floating craft. RCW 90.58.550(1)(c).

(6) "Director" means the director of the department of ecology.

(7) "Person" means any individual, public or private corporation, agency, or other entity, except for state or federal agencies.